The teenager died at a nearby hospital from a cardiac arrest due to emaciation after a denial of critical care, according to the Polk County medical examiner's office.

West Des Moines police Det. Chris Morgan said in an affidavit: "Many animals roamed freely, including well over a dozen kittens and cats. There were numerous kennels with dogs scattered inside the residence."

The defence claimed that Nicole was detached from reality at the time of her daughter's death and Natalie's father Joseph Michael Finn, 46, was arrested.

The Register reported that he wasn't living with the rest of the family and he is charged with kidnapping, neglect or abandonment and child endangerment with his trial beginning on 8 January.